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Week of May 17, 2004

Front Page

President's Message

* You Can Help Solve the General Liability Insurance Problem

Housing Politics

* Association Health Plans Endorsed by Senate Task Force
* Senate Tax Bill Revives Energy Efficiency Incentives

Housing and Economics

* Builder Confidence Strong and Steady in May

Construction Safety

* Noise Exposure Regulation Discussed With OSHA Administrator

Seniors Housing

* Virtual Reality Tours Can Translate Into Real Sales
* New NAHB Publication Details Positive Effects of Seniors Housing

Sales and Marketing

* Four Easy Steps to Turn Your Newsletter into a Powerful Marketing Tool

Small Builders and Remodelers

* Creative Solutions Needed for Historic Renovations
* Index Finds Confidence of Home Remodelers at Record Level

Business Management

* Don’t Let Your Comfort Level Dictate Future Tech Changes

Multifamily

* New HUD Policy on Section 8 Voucher Renewals Raises Grave Concerns

Design

* Home Buyers Seeking More Privacy, Harmony

Member Dividends

* Cooperative Ads Created More Receptive Image for Oregon HBA Members

Legal Issues

* Five Cases Receive Support From NAHB Legal Action Fund

State and Local

* NAHB, NACo Leaders Agree to Work Together on Common Concerns

Housing Finance

* New Mortgage Aims at Overcoming Common Obstacles to Obtaining a Mortgage
* National Housing Conference to Honor Angelo Mozilo for Lowering Homeownership Barriers

Manufactured Housing

* Plant Tour to Visit Midwest Production Facilities

Labor

* Home Builders to Provide Career Training to Mississippi Youth

Building Products

* Software Keeps Track of Tools and Equipment

Building News Coast To Coast

Association News & Events

* Local Associations Recruit More Than 7,000 New Members
* Two Second-Generation Builders Inducted into National Housing Hall of Fame
* Student-Built Dream Home Features Environmentally Friendly Design
* NCHI Celebrates 40 Years at NAHB
* Digital Delivery Provides Electronic Access to Contracts, Checklists, More
* Calendar of Events

NBN Back Issues

 

Five Cases Receive Support From NAHB Legal Action Fund

During the NAHB spring board meeting in Washington on April 30, the NAHB Legal Action Committee recommended providing grants in support of litigation involving a range of issues of concern to the home building industry:

  • In Ohio, the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati and the HBA of Dayton and the Miami Valley have challenged a telecommunications impact fee imposed by the City of Lebanon. Before they can receive a building permit, builders are required to connect to a city-owned broadband utility telecommunications system and pay a $1,250 fee for each unit, whether or not the owners of the home intend to use the service. The HBAs have filed a lawsuit seeking a permanent injunction against the fee.
  • The HBA of Northern California is challenging a Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) listing of the California tiger salamander in Sonoma and Santa Barbara Counties as both a distinct population segment and an endangered species. The association is petitioning the court to find that these determinations are arbitrary and capricious and hopes to build upon legal victories in pygmy owl and salmon cases.

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  • The BIA of San Diego continues its legal challenge against a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board under the authority of Section 402 of the federal Clean Water Act. Section 402 permits are required when pollutants, such as sediment, are discharged into “navigable waters.” The BIA is appealing a trial court decision upholding the permit.
  • In South Carolina, the Charleston Trident HBA has challenged an impact fee ordinance adopted by the town of Summerville for parks and recreation, fire services, and municipal facilities and equipment. According to the HBA, this case is the first impact fee challenge in the state.
  • In Texas, a developer requested that NAHB legal staff write an amicus brief to support his argument that the application of provisions of the Endangered Species Act to karst invertebrates (cave bugs) violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The 5th Circuit ruled otherwise, and the developer now wants the case to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

All five of the recommendations for assistance from the NAHB Legal Action Fund were approved by the NAHB Executive Board.

Applications for funding from home builders associations and members who are involved in legal cases of common importance or national significance to the home building industry are reviewed three times a year during NAHB board meetings.

The deadline for Legal Action Fund applications for the fall board meeting in Columbus, OH, is Aug. 23.

For grant applications and guidelines, association members can click here. For further information on these grants, e-mail Mary Lynn Pickel, NAHB’s director of legal services, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8485. For information on submitting an application, contact Jon Luther, staff counsel, x8329.
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